Breakthroughs and everyday innovations from the year.
HEADLINES ON October 15, 2012
Full News Archive
- Headline: Innovative NPR Morning Show Format. Impact: In a bizarre twist of fate, the unique format of NPR’s 'Morning Edition' sparked a global movement where morning shows began to split their hosts across time zones. This led to a bizarre international rivalry where hosts started sending each other coffee from their respective coasts, resulting in the Great Coffee Wars of 2032.. Fact: Did you know that if you listen to NPR while drinking coffee, you might actually feel smarter? Of course, that’s just a theory—much like the theory that anyone cares about morning radio..
- Headline: Giants Dominate 49ers in Key Showdown. Impact: The Giants' defense's near-mythical performance in this game inspired a whole generation of children to take up football, leading to an unprecedented boom in backyard leagues. However, it also resulted in a nationwide shortage of helmets, which ironically created a new trend—'safety-free football.'. Fact: Did you know that in the world of sports, a 26-3 scoreline is often regarded as a 'defensive masterpiece'? Or just a really bad day for the losing team? You choose!.
- Headline: Life Struggles for Non-Elite North Koreans. Impact: The bleak reality of life for North Koreans below the elite level sparked a clandestine global sympathy movement, resulting in an underground network of 'care packages' sent via balloon across borders. This inadvertently led to the rise of balloon-animal-making as a highly sought-after skill.. Fact: Did you know that Kim Jong-un once tried to start a fashion line? It didn’t go well, mainly because the only feedback he received was from his own echo in the empty halls of power..
- Headline: New Mayor, Big To-Do List. Impact: Mayor Holly Brinda's ambitious to-do list inspired a generation of mayors across the country to take on monumental tasks like 'fixing potholes' and 'finding the city’s lost cat,' which ultimately led to a nationwide trend of mayors moonlighting as part-time animal rescuers.. Fact: Did you know that mayors often have a secret wish list of things they want to do? Spoiler: it usually involves getting free donuts at city meetings..